The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Which cartridge for lots of flexibility (subsonic)?

black mamba · October 16, 2011, 11:32 PM

There are several dangers in loading subsonic. You really need fast pistol powders and magnum primers to get consistent ignition, but small charges of fast pistol powder leave a ton of room in the case, so double charges are very possible. Another is using jacketed bullets, which can get stuck in the bore, then if another is fired on top of it, rupture city.

I use American Select in a .308 Win shooting cast lead bullets. American Select is very bulky, which helps prevent double charges, and lead bullets are less likely to stick in the bore than jacketed bullets.

ALWAYS double check your cases after charging (comparing the powder levels) and ALWAYS check your bore after each shot if you don't see a new bullet hole in the target. Start with 1100-1200 fps loads and work backward toward 1000-1050. A chronograph is essential.

October 16, 2011, 11:32 PM	#23
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	There are several dangers in loading subsonic. You really need fast pistol powders and magnum primers to get consistent ignition, but small charges of fast pistol powder leave a ton of room in the case, so double charges are very possible. Another is using jacketed bullets, which can get stuck in the bore, then if another is fired on top of it, rupture city. I use American Select in a .308 Win shooting cast lead bullets. American Select is very bulky, which helps prevent double charges, and lead bullets are less likely to stick in the bore than jacketed bullets. *ALWAYS* double check your cases after charging (comparing the powder levels) and *ALWAYS* check your bore after each shot if you don't see a new bullet hole in the target. Start with 1100-1200 fps loads and work backward toward 1000-1050. A chronograph is essential.